Connectivity

When all the people in your office work from networked computers to share documents and applications, transfer information back and forth to each other, access the Internet, and send emails, all that computer data travels from one place to another over networks – first a hard-wired local area network (LAN) that’s made up of cables within the borders of your facility, and sometimes a wireless network that allows you to work within the confines of your facility wirelessly or unplugged.  This is all called “connectivity” and is a major factor in how well your computers work.
 
But all connectivity – or networks—are not created equally.  Everything from the kind of cable used to how it is installed, helps determine how fast and reliably your computers work, how much work they can handle, and whether you get your full value from your entire computer system. 

Just as electrical work needs to be done to code to ensure its safety, durability, and reliability, cable installation has to be certified to meet specific standards.  For example, proximity of your computer cables to things like electrical wires, fluorescent lighting, plumbing pipes, even stereo and alarm equipment can not only compromise the performance of your computer systems, but in some cases, because of incompatible electronic fields, can be dangerous. 

Unicom will make sure your cable installation is implemented to give you full value from your technology investment, and is certified at least as category 5, and in some cases category 6 (industry standard electrical engineering requirements). 

Wireless Connectivity

Going wireless gives you the flexibility to work where, when, how, and with whom you need to get the job done right.  Whether you’re collaborating in a colleague’s office, sharing information in a conference room, multi-tasking by looking something up while you’re in the lunch room, or simply need a change of scenery to stay focused and productive, unplugging makes it possible.

The key to effective wireless capabilities is always having a strong and reliable signal where and when you need it.  At the same time, you have to protect against unauthorized access to your wireless network, which can compromise the security of your entire hard-wired local area network (LAN), all your work, proprietary information, and email system. 

When installing a wireless LAN, it is important to pick locations and channels in a way that minimizes interference. A site survey determines the presence and use of any existing items, such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, and HAM radios using the same radio frequencies as the wireless LAN, that will interfere with a strong and secure wireless connection.  Then after installation, periodic follow-up site surveys will identify any new sources of interference and keep your wireless system working like new. 

Another key component of a strong, secure wireless network is network monitoring to be sure the hard-wired LAN is not being exposed to unauthorized users. This can often happen when users set up their own wireless LANs, which often have little or no security and pose a risk to the entire LAN. Proper network monitoring and the right utilities can detect the presence of rogue wireless LANs.

Network management will also protect you from security threats and network interruptions from ‘wardriving,’ which is a form of hacking, and will detect other wireless signals that may be present at your facility.